Countries > Australia for Doctors > Specialist Pathways
Australia for Specialists
Foreign-trained specialists can pursue recognition through two routes. The Specialist International Medical Graduate (SIMG) pathway involves assessment by the relevant Australian Specialist Medical College, which may require supervised practice, workplace-based assessments, and in some cases college fellowship examinations. For select specialties — General Medicine, General Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Anaesthetics, and General Practice — the Expedited Specialist Pathway allows eligible specialists with approved overseas qualifications to apply through a streamlined process under the Medical Board of Australia.
Pathway Snapshot
SIMG: submit qualifications to the relevant specialist college, receive a comparability outcome (substantially equivalent, partially comparable, or not equivalent), then complete any required supervised practice, WBAs, or examinations. Expedited Pathway: apply with approved qualifications for streamlined specialist recognition.
Complete Journey (SIMG): Specialist Qualification → College Assessment → Comparability Outcome → Supervised Practice (12–24 months) + WBAs ± College Fellowship Exams → Full Specialist Registration.
Complete Journey (Expedited): Pre-Approved Specialist Qualification → Streamlined Application → Specialist Registration (subject to Medical Board and AHPRA requirements).
Australia has 16 accredited specialist medical colleges responsible for specialist assessment and training. The SIMG pathway is the traditional route for overseas specialists, while the Expedited Specialist Pathway is a newer streamlined option for select specialties with pre-approved international qualifications. The pathway streamlines specialist recognition by removing the traditional specialist college comparability assessment for eligible qualifications, although applicants must still satisfy all Medical Board and AHPRA registration requirements.
The three comparability outcomes under SIMG:
Specialists submit their qualifications directly to the relevant Australian Specialist Medical College for comparability evaluation. Key colleges include:
Assessment is strictly individualized. Two cardiologists applying under RACP may receive completely different outcome letters based on their training years, subspecialty experience, and logbooks.
When a specialist is assessed as Partially Comparable, the college issues a bespoke decision letter outlining specific requirements. These typically fall under three universal pillars:
Pillar 1 — Supervised Practice: 12 to 24 months full-time equivalent under approved supervisors in an accredited Australian health service.
Pillar 2 — Workplace-Based Assessments (WBAs): Tools such as Mini-CEX (Clinical Evaluation Exercises), Case-based Discussions (CbD), Multisource Feedback (MSF), logbook reviews, and clinical audits.
Pillar 3 — College Fellowship Examinations (where mandated):
| College | Typical Exam Requirement |
|---|---|
RACS (Surgery) |
RACS Fellowship Exam (FRACS): Written component (MCQs + SAQs) and Clinical/Viva component (anatomy vivas, operative surgery vivas, pathology, and OSCE stations). |
RANZCOG (O&G) |
RANZCOG Fellowship Exam: Written (MCQs/SAQs) and/or Clinical OSCE, depending on training gaps. |
RACP (Internal Medicine & Paediatrics) |
Case-by-case. Relies heavily on WBAs. Sit-down Divisional Written/Clinical Exams are usually assigned only if the interview panel identifies major knowledge gaps. |
What we offer
Guidance on the SIMG application process, document preparation support, and mentorship from specialists already practicing in Australia.
Start Specialist Pathway Guidance →The Expedited Specialist Pathway allows eligible specialists to apply for streamlined specialist recognition. This pathway is currently available for the following approved specialties (subject to future expansion by the Medical Board of Australia):
Candidates must hold pre-approved qualifications (e.g., UK CCT / MRCP with dual training, Irish Fellowship, or equivalent). The pathway streamlines specialist recognition by removing the traditional specialist college comparability assessment for eligible qualifications, although applicants must still satisfy all Medical Board and AHPRA registration requirements.
| Stage | Fee (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
College Assessment Fee |
Varies by college | Confirm directly with RACP, RACS, RANZCOG, etc. |
AHPRA Application Fee |
$720 AUD | Non-refundable initial assessment |
AHPRA Annual Registration Fee |
$1,058 AUD | $908 AUD for NSW |
Note on Fees: College assessment fees vary by specialty and are set independently by each specialist medical college. AHPRA fees are standardized nationally. All figures are approximate and based on 2026 data. Always confirm directly with the relevant college and AHPRA before application.